UP Women Commission proposes men shouldn't tailor women's clothes or cut their hair

Commission members expressed concerns over rising incidents of crimes against women in gyms, beauty parlours, and boutiques.
A tailor waits for customers outside a shop at Kamala Nagar market.
A tailor waits for customers outside a shop at Kamala Nagar market. (Photo | PTI)
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LUCKNOW: In a bid to improve women's safety across Uttar Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission (UPSWC) is considering a series of proposals that include barring male tailors from taking women’s measurements and restricting male trainers from instructing women in gyms and yoga sessions.

Headed by Babita Chauhan, the UPSWC has also recommended deploying female security personnel on school buses and hiring female staff in women’s clothing stores to enhance security for women in public and commercial spaces. According to sources, these measures were discussed at a recent meeting in Lucknow.

Commission members expressed concerns over rising incidents of crimes against women in gyms, beauty parlours, and boutiques. “In gyms, the majority of trainers are men, and women and girls often face abusive behaviour which they don’t even share at home,” a UPSWC member, speaking anonymously, shared.

The proposals hold particular relevance following recent high-profile incidents, including a case in Kanpur where a male gym trainer allegedly murdered his client, Ekta Gupta, the wife of a prominent Kanpur businessman, and buried her on the premises of the Kanpur District Magistrate’s residence.

Boutiques and beauty parlours were also highlighted as areas of concern. “In boutiques, incidents of inappropriate touch by male tailors are common. Female staff should take measures to save women from any such embarrassment. Similarly, in beauty parlours, male beauticians working on bridal make-up and dressing often make customers uncomfortable,” the source added.

The Commission has proposed the installation of CCTV cameras in school buses, beauty parlours, gyms, yoga centres, drama, and dance schools. Police verification of all male employees in these establishments is also being recommended.

In some districts, including Shamli in western UP, the District Probation Officer (DPO) has already directed local establishments to begin adopting new safety guidelines, including appointing female trainers in women’s gyms, drama, and yoga centres, as well as installing CCTV cameras for monitoring.

“These discussions are preliminary, and the feasibility of these proposals is yet to be decided,” the UPSWC member stated. “Once approved, the proposals will be submitted to the state government to draft a policy for implementation on the ground.”

The proposed measures underscore a commitment to creating safer environments for women in both public and private spaces across the state.

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